Argentina player ratings v B&I Lions: Tomas Albornoz’s ‘utter masterclass’ backed up by sensational sidekick in Los Pumas’ ‘greatest day’
Our player ratings following Argentina's historic victory over the British and Irish Lions.
Following Argentina’s historic first-ever victory over the British and Irish Lions, here’s how we rated the Los Pumas players in their 24-28 win.
Argentina player ratings v British and Irish Lions
15 Santiago Carreras: Combined brilliantly with the deserved man of the match Tomas Albornoz (more on him later) and proved to be a pivotal player in the absence of Juan Cruz Mallia. A real threat with ball-in-hand and with his boot, executing a stunning 50:22. 8
14 Rodrigo Isgro: Threw a brilliant inside ball in the lead-up to Albornoz’s score and was fantastic under the high ball. He wasn’t too lethal with the ball in hand outside of his break before half-time, but was superb defensively, making a remarkable 17 tackles – a match-high – and won four turnovers, including one that sealed the result. 8
13 Lucio Cinti: A few soft moments defensively, but had a lot to do in that regard, particularly up against Sione Tuipulotu. Made good decisions in attack. 6
12 Justo Piccardo: The 23-year-old was simply fantastic in his first start for Los Pumas as he filled the void of the brilliant Santiago Chocobares. He was strong in contact, on both sides of the ball, and rose to the challenge superbly. 8
11 Ignacio Mendy: Simply excellent in everything he did as he rounded off a fantastic try with a step that bamboozled Duhan van der Merwe. Troubled the Lions in the air too and sensationally plucked the ball out of the air while under pressure after a great cross-kick by Fin Smith. His number was called early in the first half, though. 8
10 Tomas Albornoz: An outrageous performance from the Pumas magician who picked up from where he left off in 2024 in the blue and white hooped jersey. He put the finishing touches on a glorious try before the break to stretch his side’s lead and backed that up by sparking another sensational try for Santiago Cordero with a scrumptious dummy. He missed just one of his shots at goal in the only blemish in his game. An utter masterclass in one of the greatest days in Argentina rugby history. 10
Argentina stun British and Irish Lions in Dublin as Tomas Albornoz shines in historic win
9 Gonzalo Garcia: Every great hero has a worthy sidekick, and Albornoz absolutely got that from his superb half-back partner, who was on song from minute one to 71 when his number was called. For large chunks of the game, Garcia was the best player on the park, which clearly influenced Albornoz’s performance. In every facet of scrum-half play, he shone and some. 10
The forwards
8 Joaquin Oviedo: Another all-action display from the excellent back-rower who proved to be a real handful for the Lions’ defence. He wasn’t the busiest tackler but did throw his weight around well when needed, while also pestering the breakdown. 8
7 Juan Martin González: It was Diego Maradona’s Hand of God that downed England in 1986, and in 2025, it was González’s foot as he toed the ball at the breakdown leading to a crucial try to extend Argentina’s lead. As per usual, he was superbly athletic in the air, busy around the park and excellent in the lineouts, defensively and on his own ball. 8
6 Pablo Matera: A regular feature in Los Pumas’ finest moments in recent years, and while he wasn’t quite at his heroic best from their first-ever win over the All Blacks, he was just as important. Argentina won the collision battles with the flanker putting in an industrious performance. 7
5 Pedro Rubiolo: One part of the new era of Pumas locks who shone against the Lions in the absence of the more well-renowned Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti and Matías Alemanno. Quite simply, the future is bright for Argentina’s second row. Rubiolo was physical in everything he did and gave his all in his 80-minute shift that was nothing more than doing the basics of his position, and doing it well. 6
4 Franco Molina: Copy and paste from his second-row partner. Nothing flash, just straight-up good locking play and frankly, the Pumas didn’t need much more. 6
3 Joe Sclavi: Monstered in the scrum by Ellis Genge and offered little around the park other than decent carries in the tight. Replaced inside the first 10 minutes of the first half. 3
2 Julian Montoya: An out-of-character shift from the Pumas captain who struggled to get a favourable ear of the referee. Kicking the ball out of Tomos Williams’ hand was a moment that almost turned victory into defeat. While he had his uncharacteristic moments, he was at his usual standards defensively and at lineout time where he always shines. 5
1 Mayco Vivas: A tough night for the loosehead who was bullied in the scrums along with Sclavi and was sent to the sin bin and conceded a penalty try. Thankfully, his team emerged victorious despite his poor showing. 3
Replacements: To a man, the Lions’ bench was better than the replacements that Contepomi called upon, which was always likely to be the case, considering many of these players lack international experience. Still, their efforts were commendable and the Latin spirit of never giving in shone through in a heroic defensive effort. A word for Cordero, who is without a club for next season, who grabbed a brilliant try and shone during his cameo. 6
